Canadian Minister of Industry saw Canadian-made XeroPoint Hybrid marine technology in action while on board KOTUG’s Hybrid Rotor®tug RT Adriaan in the Port of Rotterdam

Canadian Minister of Industry, the Honourable James Moore, visited KOTUG’s headquarters and sailed on board the hybrid Rotor®tug RT Adriaan in the Port of Rotterdam. The tug, referred to as an E-KOTUG is powered by Canadian-based Aspin Kemp & Associates’ patented XeroPoint Hybrid Propulsion System.

The Prime Minister, Stephen Harper and the Minister of Industry, James Moore of the Government of Canada, combined the Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague with a working trip to the Port of Rotterdam. The visit to Rotterdam was focused on highlighting the trade and business relations between Canada and Europe. The Prime Minister and Industry Minister were accompanied by a delegation of approximately 25 Canadian business people. Aspin Kemp & Associates (AKA) participated as a member of the trade delegation.

A highlight of this visit was when Minister Moore sailed on the hybrid Rotor®tug RT Adriaan. The minister was impressed with KOTUG’s global success and forward-thinking leadership. He was also impressed with the innovative and sustainable maritime technology and the durable partnerships developed between KOTUG and several Canadian companies. Following the boat trip, Minister Moore visited the KOTUG office in Rotterdam, where a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Signing Ceremony took place.

“I am delighted to witness these partnerships between Dutch and Canadian firms from coast to coast. Having companies like Teekay, Robert Allan Ltd. and AKA involved in projects with KOTUG and Damen is an excellent example of collaboration opportunities between Canada and the Netherlands,” said James Moore, Canada’s Minister of Industry.

Partnership between Aspin Kemp & Associates and KOTUG

In 2012 the construction of world’s first fully classed hybrid Rotortug, the “E-KOTUG” was developed in partnership with Aspin Kemp & Associates Canada, supplier of the Xeropoint Hybrid Propulsion System. The E-KOTUG has many advantages: significant noise reduction, a 45 per cent reduction in emissions, and improved fuel economy in the range of 25 per cent. This represents a dramatic improvement in the vessel’s overall efficiency.

Hybrid technology has also been integrated into KOTUG’s new building program.

By mid-2014, two new hybrid Rotortugs (ART 80-32 series) will be added to the KOTUG fleet. These Rotortugs will be equipped with Aspin Kemp & Associates’ XeroPoint Hybrid Propulsion System, the latest generation of the hybrid system fitted on E-KOTUG, RT Adriaan.

Partnership with Robert Allan Design Canada

The revolutionary ART 80-32 Rotortugs are designed by Rotortug B.V. and naval architects and marine engineers, Robert Allan Ltd Canada. The hybrid Rotortugs will be constructed by Damen Shipyards in Europe.

Photo left to right: Paul Jamer of AKA, Jim Hyslop of Robert Allan, Ard-Jan Kooren of KOTUG, Evan Willemsen of ROTORTUG and Minister James Moore of the Canadian government.

About Aspin Kemp & Associates

Aspin Kemp & Associates (AKA) is a systems integrator delivering innovative products, technically advanced services, integrated systems documentation and world-class training primarily to the marine and offshore industry. AKA is the developer and patent holder of the award winning and EPA verified XeroPoint Hybrid system. Aspin Kemp & Associates and its strategic partners continue to lead the world in the successful deployment of environmentally conscious technologies in the marine industry

AKA is a headquartered in Prince Edward Island Canada and has offices in Owen Sound Ontario, Dartmouth Nova Scotia, Singapore and Houston. Technical and support resources are strategically positioned in other locations in Canada and internationally. More information: www.aka-group.com

About KOTUG

KOTUG is a leading towage operator offering its innovative services on a global scale. With a sophisticated, powerful fleet, its dedicated staff and well trained crew, KOTUG operates in a variety of markets including towage services to ports, terminals and at sea as well as in the salvage, offshore and dredging industry. KOTUG remains committed to the highest industry standards of health, safety, environment and quality. More information: www.kotug.com